#Republican legislators in FL hit the pause button on a bill that would have given any “#unborn child” new #protections after opponents raised concerns it would impact women’s #ReproductiveRights in ways similar to the AL IVF ruling.
The bill had passed easily through most cmtes in the #RepublicanControlledLegislature until #Democrats began raising concerns last wk that the proposal was so broad that it might also impact #IVF treatments.
The #legislation sought to define a #fetus as an “unborn child” shielded by civil #negligence#laws. Supporters said the measure would bring #civil#law in line w/existing #state#criminal law that allows for additional penalties against people charged w/ harming a #pregnant#woman.
Opponents called it an effort to establish “fetal #personhood” that would put #abortion providers & people who help #women obtain an abortion at risk of being sued. “Although I have worked diligently to respond to questions & concerns, I understand there is still work that needs to be done,” state Sen #ErinGrall, who sponsored the bill, said in a stmnt. "It is important we get the policy right w/an issue of this significance.” [best way to get it right? Scrap it.] #law#MaleSupremacy#evangelism
The #Florida bill’s derailment comes as #Republicans grapple w/the #political fallout from the #Alabama Supreme Court ruling declaring #embryos children. While many in the #GOP were initially quiet on the ruling, #conservative lawmakers are now voicing their support for #IVF. The issue underscores the party’s election-year challenges over #women’s #ReproductiveRights.
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